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Jet Engine Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kratos Defense

Senior Design Engineer

Jupiter, FL

Are you ready to embark on an exciting career with a leading turbomachinery and jet engine ... May mentor junior engineers. * Proficiency with CAD software and analysis tools, specifically ...

Chipton Ross

Design Engineer

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$110/hr

Reviews engineering models and technical drawings for producibility. Identifies design errors ... Jet engine integration, service and maintenance familiarity * Wire harness and interconnect ...

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Jet Engine Design Engineer information

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$34K

$104.5K

$147K

How much do jet engine design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for jet engine design engineer in the United States is $104,489.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,500.00 and $121,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What kind of engineer designs jet engines?

A jet engine design engineer is an aerospace engineer who specializes in developing and improving jet propulsion systems. They use skills in thermodynamics, aerodynamics, materials science, and CAD software to create efficient engine components and ensure safety standards are met. Typically, they hold a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering and may work in research, development, or manufacturing environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Jet Engine Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Jet Engine Design Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, with expertise in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and materials science, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software (such as CATIA or SolidWorks), finite element analysis (FEA) tools, and industry standards is crucial, and professional certifications like a PE license can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help you excel in collaborative, high-stakes environments. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure innovative, safe, and efficient engine designs that meet rigorous industry and regulatory requirements.

What are some common challenges Jet Engine Design Engineers face during the development process?

Jet Engine Design Engineers often encounter challenges balancing performance, safety, and efficiency within strict regulatory and budgetary constraints. They must address complex technical issues such as thermal management, material selection, and aerodynamics while ensuring designs meet rigorous certification standards. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including manufacturing, testing, and quality assurance—is essential to resolve integration issues and optimize engine performance. Managing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills and adaptability throughout the iterative design process.

What is the difference between Jet Engine Design Engineer vs Aircraft Maintenance Engineer?

AspectJet Engine Design EngineerAircraft Maintenance Engineer
Primary RoleDesigns and develops jet engines for aircraftPerforms maintenance, repairs, and inspections on aircraft engines
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in aerospace engineeringAircraft maintenance license, certifications in aviation maintenance
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, engineering offices, R&D facilitiesAirports, maintenance hangars, repair stations
Industry UsageAircraft manufacturing, aerospace R&DCommercial and private airline operations, maintenance companies

While both roles involve aircraft engines, Jet Engine Design Engineers focus on creating and improving engine designs, whereas Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are responsible for ensuring engines are safe and functional through repairs and inspections. They work in different environments but are both essential in the aviation industry.

How much do jet engine engineers make?

Jet engine engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills in aerodynamics or materials may earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000. Salaries can also vary based on industry demand and the complexity of projects involved.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior aerospace engineers, including jet engine design engineers with extensive experience and advanced skills, can earn salaries around $500,000, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. Such high compensation typically requires many years of expertise, leadership roles, and working in high-paying industries or companies. Achieving this level often involves advanced degrees, specialized certifications, and a strong track record of successful projects.

What does a Jet Engine Design Engineer do?

A Jet Engine Design Engineer is responsible for designing and developing jet engines used in aircraft. They use advanced engineering principles to create efficient, reliable, and safe engines that meet performance and regulatory standards. Their work involves collaborating with other engineers, running simulations, testing prototypes, and solving complex technical challenges. Jet Engine Design Engineers also stay up to date with technological advancements to incorporate new materials and technologies into their designs.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Jet Engine Design Engineers with extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and often leadership roles can earn $300,000 or more annually. High salaries are typically associated with senior positions, specialized expertise, and working in aerospace or defense industries, often requiring advanced degrees and certifications.
More about Jet Engine Design Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Jet Engine Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Jet Engine Design Engineer jobs are:
Jet Engine Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Jet Engine Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,489 per year, or $50.2 per hour.
Senior Propulsion Engineer, Air Vehicles (Air Breathing Engine Integration)

Senior Propulsion Engineer, Air Vehicles (Air Breathing Engine Integration)

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

Other

Re-posted 11 days ago

Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 71,325 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE TEAM
The Air Dominance & Strike Propulsion Integration team is responsible for designing and integrating advanced hardware for Group 5 air vehicles and across missile platforms. Air Dominance & Strike Propulsion Engineers own the full development lifecycle, from concept generation, to integration and flight test, ensuring high-performance, resilient, and scalable mechanical systems that meet the demands of complex, contested environments.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Serve as a lead or key contributor in the selection, architecting, and integration of aircraft engines, engine components, and engine controls on unmanned air vehicles (UAVs).
  • Design, fabricate, and test prototype components and control systems.
  • Plan, instrument, and execute tests of aircraft propulsion systems.
  • Coordinate with engine vendors, develop strategic partnerships, and manage development projects.
  • Lead or support critical hardware demonstrations with customers as needed.
  • Critical member of team supporting CAD design for inlet / exhaust shaping, surfaces and structures.
  • Travel to test sites as needed.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering.
  • 8+ years of propulsion engineering experience on air vehicles (manned or unmanned).
  • Experience with jet engines in the 250-20,000 lbf thrust class.
  • Strong understanding of jet engine fundamentals and thermodynamic cycles.
  • Proven experience designing complex mechanical parts, structural components, and surface lofts (using 3D CAD).
  • Exposure to testing of engines or powertrain components.
  • Familiar with manufacturing methods (machining, sheet metal, composites, 3D printing, injection molding, etc.).
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience in NX / Teamcenter, Python, MATLAB, IADs.
  • Hands-on experience with jet engine testing including test practices, instrumentation, and data processing.
  • Previous work experience at a jet engine OEM or supplier, with a deep understanding of engine performance trade-offs.
  • Knowledge and experience working with FADEC, Engine Management Systems (EMS), or equivalent aircraft engine control systems.
  • Experience procuring parts and working in a machine shop. Working knowledge of machine safety and shop safety protocols.
  • Active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

US Salary Range
$166,000-$220,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
  • No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
  • Please always verify communications:
    • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
    • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

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About Anduril Industries

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Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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